Highlanders call on Haskell and Manu

Haskell and Manu join Adam Thomson to form a formidable loose trio for the match, where they will tackle the 'Saders back row of Richie McCaw, George Whitelock and Kieran Read.

 

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has made five changes in all to his starting XV from the side that picked up the win against the Blues last weekend.

 

Tighthead prop Chris King is back in the front row after missing last week's match, and takes over from Ma'afu Fia, who drops out of the matchday 22.

 

There is also a change in the second row, where Josh Bekhuis links up with Jarrad Hoeata at the expense of Hoani MacDonald.

 

Loose forwards Tim Boys and Nick Crosswell warm the bench this week, with their jerseys taken by Haskell and Manu.

 

The only change to the backline is at scrumhalf, where Aaron Smith is preferred to Jimmy Cowan, as has been the case for most of the season.

 

On the bench there is no place for Scott Fuglistaller this week, while speedster Kade Poki replaces Kenny Lynn as cover for the outside backs.

 

Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kurt Baker, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Phil Burleigh, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 James Haskell, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Chris King, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).

Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Nick Crosswell, 19 Tim Boys, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Kade Poki.

 

Date: Friday, June 1

Venue: AMI Stadium Christchurch

Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Assistant referees: Mike Fraser (New Zealand), Kane McBride (New Zealand)

TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)